I recently received a letter from Acura saying that my TLX's "PCM software does not meet OBDII regulations" and needs to be updated. Does anybody know what this is all about?

 

Yes I got the letter too. Apparently a transmission software update according to the dealer to reduce occasional rough shifting. Taking my car in this Friday to do the update. My transmission hasn't been too bad but hopefully this will eliminate any abrupt shifts, etc.

 

Yep - it's a software update for your transmission. It will change the shifting behaviour a bit and reduce the time it takes to shift into D from R but otherwise you won't notice much difference.

 

Had this software installed during the B16 service and it disabled up the Auto Engine Idle Stop function. I guess if you install the software incorrectly this is the result.
I have an appointment tomorrow to get it fixed.

 

This is a symptom of the update being prematurely aborted. Had the same issue, went back to the dealer and they re-did the idle learn. Everything was fine then.

Saw another post that said the Idle Stop would eventually come back. But the shift problems don't get fixed unless the re-learn is done correctly.

 

Thanks for the follow up.
Frustrating that the techs aren't trained well enough on how to do a simple software update.
I'd rather do it myself.

 

Is the idle stop only on the v6? I had the change done on my 4cyl today. Anything I need to check for?

 

The auto start/stop engine is only on SH-AWD models. This way they get the same city mpg as the 2 wheel drive V6 models (both 21)

 

We may be mixing up software changes here. At the bottom of my letter regarding the OBDII regulations, it mentions (for dealer use only) SVC Bulletin #15-024. This TSB is only for 4 cylinder TLX's.

The software changes for the V6 are no doubt different than the subject of this thread.

By the way, I have no issues with my DCT, and I probably would not have this done if I lived outside California. Unfortunately, according to the letter, the CA DMV will not renew your registration until this update has been completed.

I'll probably have it done in conjunction with my first service, and hope it doesn't screw anything up.

 

This is what the topic of this thread is talking about :

http://www.urvi.net/forumfiles/SB/B15-024.PDF

 

The "rough shift software update" for V6s doesn't do sht, at least that I've noticed.

I'd get the update anyway (maybe it fixes something), but if you're expecting the hard 2-3 shift to go away, I'll save you the suspense: it won't.

 

Just curious, when you got the update did you have issues with Idle Stop?

Not scientific, but the ones seeming to say the update does nothing are associated with this. It is an indication that the update was not done correctly. I guess that could keep the fix from working!

First go-around the fix did nothing for me except disable Idle Stop. After the re-do the shift is mostly smooth as silk. When it is not I suspect the average driver would not notice it. We are more attuned now that we have had the issue.